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The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra

Designer Designed by Justus van Egmont Flemish
Weaving workshop directed by Geraert van der Strecken
designed ca. 1650, woven 1650–77
Not on view
This panel depicts the moment at which Antony first sees Cleopatra, who is riding in the stern of a barge, fanned by youths dressed as cupids (as described by Plutarch). Cupid, leaning against the sail of the barge, aims an arrow at Antony, who is riding a spirited horse. The Latin inscription in the upper cartouche reads "Antony, sent to compel her, is captured by love of her." The exuberant style is typical of the tapestry designs of Justus van Egmont, who blended the dramatic figures of Rubens with a relish for billowing draperies and decorative details. Although the date of conception is unknown, sets of this design were being produced in Brussels from the early 1650s, and it evidently enjoyed considerable popularity. Several partial sets have survived, some numbering more than ten pieces.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra
  • Designer: Designed by Justus van Egmont (Flemish, Leiden 1601–1674 Antwerp)
  • Maker: Weaving workshop directed by Geraert van der Strecken (Brussels, active 1647, died 1677)
  • Date: designed ca. 1650, woven 1650–77
  • Culture: Flemish, Brussels
  • Medium: Wool, silk, silver and silver-gilt thread (20-22 warps per inch, 8-9 per cm.)
  • Dimensions: H. 163 x W. 204 inches (414 x 518.2 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Tapestries
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Elizabeth U. Coles, in memory of her son, William F. Coles, 1892
  • Object Number: 92.1.9
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Romulus and Remus suckling the she-wolf on a riverbank, Justus van Egmont Flemish, Engraving
Romulus and Remus suckling the she-wolf on a riverbank
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1650–75
The Battle of Actium from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra, Justus van Egmont Flemish, Wool, silk, silver and silver-gilt thread (20-22 warps per inch, 8-9 per cm.), Flemish, Brussels
The Battle of Actium from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra
Justus van Egmont
Jan van Leefdael
designed ca. 1650, woven 1650–77
The Death of Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra, Justus van Egmont Flemish, Wool, silk, silver and silver-gilt thread (20-22 warps per inch, 8-9 per cm.), Flemish, Brussels
The Death of Cleopatra from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra
Justus van Egmont
Geraert van der Strecken
designed ca. 1650, woven 1650–77
Cleopatra Asked to Pay Tribute to Rome from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra, Justus van Egmont Flemish, Wool, silk, silver and silver-gilt thread (20-22 warps per inch, 8-9 per cm.), Flemish, Brussels
Cleopatra Asked to Pay Tribute to Rome from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra
Justus van Egmont
Jan van Leefdael
designed ca. 1650, woven 1650–77
Cleopatra Dissolving the Pearl from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra, Justus van Egmont Flemish, Wool, silk, silver and silver-gilt thread (20-22 warps per inch, 8-9 per cm.), Flemish, Brussels
Cleopatra Dissolving the Pearl from a set of The Story of Antony and Cleopatra
Justus van Egmont
Jan van Leefdael
designed ca. 1650, woven 1650–77

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